Auto Channel

Front wheel drive hybrid

Saturn is breaking new ground with the world's first Front-Wheel-Drive Hybrid, the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit. Production is set for late 2008 so that Saturn can add their second hybrid SUV, and thrid hybrid car for the brand, to its showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a 2009 MY.

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode is powered by GM's 3.6 liter VVT V6 with direct injection technology. The engine should deliver 50% better fuel economy than the non-hybrid V6 Vue and hit 60 from stand-still in just over 7 seconds.

“Customers tell us they want a compact SUV that will respect the environment and save money at the gas pump, but they don’t want to give up performance and utility. We’ve responded with the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager.

Visually, the 2 Mode Vue will differ only slightly from the in 2008 redesigned Saturn Vue. For instance, the 2 Mode Vue will feature lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in low-resistance tires, chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips, chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia and of course '2 Mode' badges.

Read on for further details and specifications.

Press Release

No Compromises in Performance, Capability

• First brand to offer two hybrid options on the same model
• Third hybrid in Saturn’s portfolio
• Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (ATPZEV)

The all-new 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, the first front-wheel-drive compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors’ two-mode hybrid technology, is designed for customers who want the outstanding fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the full power and towing capability of an SUV. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode was unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue. It also is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

In addition, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 pounds (1588 kg).

Production is slated to begin in late 2008.

“The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode challenges the notion that a compact SUV can’t be both powerful and efficient,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Customers tell us they want a compact SUV that will respect the environment and save money at the gas pump, but they don’t want to give up performance and utility. We’ve responded with the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.”

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode sports the same European-inspired design language of the non-hybrid Vue, completely redesigned for the 2008 model year. Subtle exterior changes include “2 Mode” badging on the front doors and rear liftgate; and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode’s appearance is further accented by chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle emissions rules. When it arrives in dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be Saturn’s third hybrid, joining the Vue Green Line 4-cylinder hybrid SUV and the Aura Green Line sedan.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is GM’s first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The system is currently on the V-8-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode and GMC Yukon 2 Mode full-size SUVs, and becomes available in 2008 on the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode luxury SUV and Chevrolet Silverado 2 Mode full-size pickup.